AWOL 01, on 10 April 2014 - 03:51 PM, said:
I actually like the way this Timber Wolf looks... I never really liked the weird pipe arms they're always shown with. They just don't make very much sense. The blocky arms look like they could actually support the weapon pods and they help support the missile racks instead of those just hanging off the corners of the torso. The legs look fine to me and realistically speaking, longer legs would be an easy way to increase the speed because each stride would be longer. Plus it doesn't have clodhopper feet cause the toes aren't as large as they usually are. I'd say this is probably the most realistic representation of a Timber Wolf (Mad Cat) I've seen in a MechWarrior game. Definitely two thumbs up for PGI.
actualy it is only realistic assuming lower end techonology (as far as Battle Tech is concerened)
Bulkier bodies means the metals used in its construction are not as strong. The Clan Timberwolf had the skinnier arms and legs because they didnt NEED bulkier arms and legs to maintain the chassi so they are able to divert more tonnage to weapons and eqiupment.
Also there is far less to hit on the arms and legs making it even more diffitult to remove one.
look at the Timberwolf mark 2
i know its not a cannon pic of it but its fairly close and only one i coudl find large enough.
It is a 90 ton version of the Timberwolf and IT actually requires the thicker legs and more solid arm supports.
Also the Legs on the Timberwolf are VERY unique
see that spot circled (image taken from another source) while the image here isnt exactly how it is normally depicted that extra "nub" past the joint ISN'T just for show. It allows the Timberwolf a very unique Method of walking and standing.
During movement the pivot point extends allowing for as you say the much longer stride, but at slower speeds and while stationair that pivot point retracts giving the Timberwofl a much lower profile as well as giving it more stabalization.
Essentialy the Timberwolf is designed to "crouch" by default
Their version of the Timberwofl conveys NONE of these attributes. In fact it completely overlooks all of them and instead focuses on the "Someone put Arms on a Catapult" mentality (which is a very very very basic description of it)
So by that mentality The timberwolf is only 15 ton's heavier then the catapult with more weapons and a larger engine. Even with clan weight on LRM's and ferro/endo internals it wouldnt be able to afford the weight for the bulky arm/leg style.